Aksu (Uyghur: ئاقسۇ, Aqsu; Chinese: 阿克苏; pinyin: Ākèsū) is a city in and the seat of Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, lying at the northern edge of the Tarim Basin. The name Aksu literally means "white water" (in Turkic) and is used for both the oasis town and the Aksu River.
Aksu is a bright pearl shining on the ancient Silk Road. It features diverse and amazing landscapes like vast deserts, desolate Gobi, snow-capped mountains, sparkling glaciers and broad grasslands.
Explore Aksu with this comprehensive travel guide. Located in the central part of Xinjiang, Aksu is sandwiched between Urumqi up north and Kashgar down south, and at the southern foot of the Middle Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of Tarim Basin.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Aksu (2026) - Must-See Attractions
In the upper reaches of Tarim River, Aksu, which literally means "white water" in local Uygur language, belongs to aggraded valley plain with the main stream of Aksu River flowing through in the south of the city.
Aksu Prefecture is located in the southwest portion of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It shares a 235 kilometers-long boundary to the northwest with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Aksu Travel Guide - Xinjiang Tourism Cities - Zhangjiajie Holiday China ...
"Aksu" means white water in Uyghur, named after the Aksu River. Aksu boasts a long history - ancient kingdoms like Gaochang, Kumul, and Wenshu were situated here in the Qin and Han dynasties.
Aksu is a city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. Visitors can expect to see a mix of traditional Uygur culture and modern Chinese influences in Aksu.